Confronting Creationism

Published: June 28, 2005

To the Editor:

It was very distressing for me to have read ''Opting Out in the Debate on Evolution'' (June 21) and the ivory tower attitudes of too many of this country's science leaders.

With President Bush himself issuing statements encouraging the teaching of ''alternative theories'' for the origins of life and with surveys showing that a majority of the American populace do sincerely believe in ''creationism,'' no scientist can afford not to play the game of politics, as frustrating and seemingly time-wasting as the game might be.

Pretending that the political environment in which decisions are made regarding children's education doesn't matter in the long run has and will continue to prove tragically shortsighted.